Clashes broke out during internal student council elections at Gargi College, University of Delhi, on Friday, with Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and Students’ Federation of India (SFI) accusing each other of disrupting polling and indulging in “hooliganism”.
The confrontation occurred after a presidential candidate alleged intimidation and irregularities in the conduct of the polls. Videos circulating on social media showed the candidate claiming she was mistreated and pressured during the process.
According to ABVP, the candidate had raised concerns about the fairness of the election and was allegedly being pressured to withdraw her nomination because of her perceived political affiliation. The organisation said members, including Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) president Aryan Maan, reached the college gates to stage a “peaceful protest” demanding a free and fair election.
However, SFI alleged that ABVP members, along with unidentified individuals, “barged into the college and were then forced to leave”. Videos shared online also appeared to show a group of men forcing open the college gates and entering the premises, before being pushed out by students inside.
ABVP, however, maintained that its members were attempting to ensure that students who were left outside were allowed to enter and cast their votes. “Maan clarified with college authorities that ABVP members had not come to disrupt the college’s security arrangements, but rather to ensure transparency and fairness in the student union election process,” said ABVP’s Delhi State secretary Sarthak Sharma.
